Drawing and Painting

Open to students age 16 and above

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $50.00

Throughout the year, Continuing Education sponsors the Figure Drawing Co-op, open drawing sessions for anyone interested in drawing from the live nude model. While an MCAD staff member is present to facilitate, there is no instruction provided. / No discounts or coupon codes may be applied to the purchase of a Co-op pass. / View complete policies.

Sustainable Design, Online Classes

Open to students ages 18 and above

Instructor: Deann Garcia

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $1,209.00

In this foundational course students are introduced to hands-on and holistic approaches to sustainability. This course covers current sustainability frameworks, principles, and materials assessments, as well as the history and logic behind them, providing students with useful research tools to apply to the ever-changing demands of sustainable design, business, development, and policy-making. / Open to students age 18 and above. / View complete policies here.

Sustainable Design, Online Classes

Open to students ages 18 and above

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $1,209.00

Economic, environmental, and ethical crises present leaders with new and complex challenges. Effective, resilient, and agile leaders employ a diversity of skills, experience, and resources to respond to humanity's greatest challenges with creative, innovative, and humane solutions. Students build their capacities to become creative leaders and to work constructively as part of dynamic and collaborative teams through the integration of an ecological perspective for their work, organizations, communities, and the planet. / Open to students ages 18 and above.

Online Classes, Drawing and Painting, Professional Development and Liberal Arts

Open to students ages 18 and above

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $1,209.00

In the online Master Critique class, high profile professionals conduct critique sessions drawing from their area of expertise. This is an opportunity to participate in a critique experience with practitioners who are unable to come to campus from locations outside of the Twin Cities. Expect critical dialogue, discussions of how studio work is related to historic and contemporary issues, technical and process advice, and self-discovery. Students submit a running visual progress report on a semester-long studio project as well as additional pop-up assignments assigned by the instructor.

Graphic and Web Design, Online Classes

Open to students ages 18 and above

Instructor: Ramon Tejada

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $1,209.00

This course covers research, ideation, and application related to large-scale projects in branding, publications, signage, mapping, and identity systems and includes work experience with outside professionals to explore real-world needs. Students investigate conceptual possibilities utilizing research, knowledge of historical and contemporary perspectives, experimental strategies using hand tools and digital software, and personalized design methodologies. Students are challenged to develop original solutions and promote their own visual sensibilities.

Graphic and Web Design, Online Classes

Open to students ages 18 and above

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $1,209.00

This course introduces the fundamentals of programming using the language of the web, JavaScript. Students will explore topics through a variety of projects, including developing a web-based game, creating interactive web components, and building a simple web application. The course builds towards a student-selected final programming project. Topics include: program and data structures, objects and arrays, functions, bugs and error handling, the Document Object Model (DOM), event handling, drawing using HTML5 canvas, data fetching, and using common libraries and tools.

Professional Development and Liberal Arts, Online Classes

Open to students ages 18 and above

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $403.00

Choosing the right color for a product, website, or brand identity program might at first seem like a frivolous concern, but research has shown that the reaction to color is emotionally based, and it has a direct impact on consumer choice. Color is one of the most powerful selling tools available to the designer and marketing professional. It is important to know from a commercial aspect the way color can spell success or failure for a package, poster, logo, display, or digital or retail store environment. This course is designed to expose students to the realm of color marketing.

Graphic and Web Design, Online Classes

Open to students ages 16 and above

Instructor: James Johnson

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $99.00

This course introduces the fundamental language of the web: HyperText Markup Language (HTML). We explore how the web works, tags, links, images, lists, tables, forms, web standards (old, new, and evolving), directory structure, wireframing, web development best practices, and lay the foundation for further web development in the next course, Web Development Basics: CSS. This five week online course is a blend of tutorials, readings, development projects, and online discussion. The class is geared toward the beginning to intermediate web developer or designer.

Graphic and Web Design, Online Classes

Open to students ages 16 and above

Instructor: Robert Algeo

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $403.00

This is the second course in the Web Development Basics series. In this course, students build on their understanding of HTML, and use Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) to create well crafted web pages. Topics include: CSS selectors and properties, fonts and typographic treatment, colors, divs and spans, floats, layout, and positioning. This five week online course is a blend of tutorials, readings, development projects, and online discussion. The class is geared toward the beginning to intermediate web developer or designer. / Open to students ages 16 and above.

Graphic and Web Design, Online Classes

Open to students ages 18 and above

Instructor: Erika Hutchings

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $806.00

This class introduces individuals with little or no design background to the graphic design practice. Students work both on and off the computer to complete assignments that explore basic 2D communication principles integrating color, shape, texture, typography, and photography to build a visual language. Essential skills in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator that support the task of each assignment will be taught through weekly tutorials.

Graphic and Web Design, Online Classes

Open to students ages 16 and above

Instructor: David Farr

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $130.00

If you are new to Adobe Lightroom, you will find that 75% of your time is probably spent in the Develop Module. In this single-evening online workshop, learn how to process and develop photos using the panels, brush tools, film strip, presets, and snapshots within this most important module of Lightroom. / Open to students ages 16 and above. / View complete policies here. This course will meet online on Wednesday, March 20 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. (CST). There will be no campus-based meeting.

Drawing and Painting, Illustration and Comic Art, Online Classes

Open to students ages 16 and above

Instructor: Alex Mitchell

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $403.00

Artists, designers, and non-artists alike utilize the "napkin sketch"—simple drawings that capture the essence of an idea, illustrate a prototype, or sell a client on the value of your services. This kind of drawing can also facilitate brainstorming, idea creation, and problem-solving both alone or in a collaborative environment. This course will teach students a simple but structured methodology to create simple visual aids, with an eye towards use in entrepreneurial or professional settings. The class will explore how to make a sketch that’s worth a thousand words.

Graphic and Web Design

Open to students ages 16 and above

Instructor: Robert Algeo

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $403.00

This is the third course in the Web Development Basics series. In this course, students expand on their understanding of HTML and CSS, laying a foundation for more advanced development work. Students will build towards professional-grade front-end web development. Topics include: advanced layout and positioning, source control using Git and Github, modular CSS, and basic interactivity with JavaScript. Students complete a large development project for their portfolio. / Open to students ages 16 and above.

Print, Paper, Bookmaking

Open to students ages 18 and above.

Instructor: Keith Taylor

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $322.00

Polymergravure is a non-toxic, faster, and environmentally friendlier alternative to the traditional copperplate photogravure process. Students will create a black-and-white printed image generated from a photographic transparency and printed on an etching press. Create prints that have the gravity and feel of a 19th century photogravure with the ease of 21st century printing technology!

Illustration and Comic Art

Open to students ages 16 and above

Instructor: Lisa Troutman

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $403.00

This course will provide students with an introduction into the exciting world of digital illustration utilizing the powerful industry standards – Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Students in this class will explore a wide range of techniques which include creating vector illustrations, integrating traditional line art, and developing digital painting skills in Photoshop. Students will learn how to take an idea from sketch to screen, using digital tools and techniques to produce professional and dynamic digital illustrations.

Drawing and Painting

Open to students ages 16 and above

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $50.00

Throughout the year, Continuing Education sponsors the Figure Drawing Co-op, open drawing sessions for anyone interested in drawing from the live nude model. While an MCAD staff member is present to facilitate, there is no instruction provided. / No discounts or coupon codes may be applied to the purchase of a Co-op pass. / Open to students ages 16 and above. / View complete policies.

Graphic and Web Design

Open to students ages 18 and above.

Instructor: Matthew Luken

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $242.00

Introduction to User Experience (UX) Design will focus on the process of creating designs that take into consideration the user’s needs along with content and a client’s wants in order to create a product that is successful. The instructor will lead discussions on the importance of preliminary research, testing during the process of developing a design, and how to test and analyze existing designs. Students will conduct testing sessions to help grasp the idea and simplicity of thinking about the end user first.

Drawing and Painting

Open to students ages 18 and above.

Instructor: Sarah Wieben

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $403.00

Learning From the Masters is a class designed to take your painting skills to the next level by studying the work of some of the greatest, and most influential painters of the 20th century. Learning by imitation is a well-established tradition in art education and challenges the student to think outside their own box and painter's skill set. Classroom painting practice will be enriched by art history lessons aimed at deepening our understanding of the artists, their methods, techniques and concepts. / Materials fee of $5 in addition to course tuition. / Open to students ages 18 and above.

Graphic and Web Design

Open to students ages 18 and above.

Instructor: Matthew Luken

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $403.00

In this course students will utilize User Experience (UX) Design practices to conceptualize a mobile app. Students will work through testing, designing an app via wireframes, and both paper and clickable prototyping. The outcome of this class will be a case study on a mobile app suitable for a portfolio. This course is ideally suited to those who have taken the Introduction to User Experience Design class or already have a basic understanding of UX concepts.

Photography and Filmmaking

Open to students ages 18 and above

Instructor: Anna Eveslage

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $403.00

Every day, we are confronted with a deluge of images. A staggering number of digital images are uploaded to the internet every single day, not to mention all of the photographs we encounter in the world around us. With such a glut of images, how does a photographer rise above the noise? What makes a photograph by a specific artist recognizable? What distinguishes a worthwhile photograph and raises it to the level of art? Whether you work in still life, narrative, abstract, street, portraiture, or any other style of photography, your personal voice is paramount.

Drawing and Painting

Open to students ages 16 and above

Instructor: Shannon Brunette

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $121.00

Students in this course will develop and refine their observational drawing practice through close examination and drawing of a variety of plant specimens. During three visits to the University of Minnesota's College of Biological Sciences Conservatory, the class will have the opportunity to create studies varying from timed observational contour drawings to fully formed experimentations. This course will provide an excellent opportunity for students to develop and enhance their ability to observe and study the details of a given object.

Drawing and Painting

Open to students ages 16 and above

Instructor: Michael Gaughan

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $403.00

People are drawn to watercolors due to their vibrant, delicate, and luminous qualities. Students in this class will work from observation, photographs, and their imaginations to create translucent works using this versatile medium. Students will learn traditional and non-traditional approaches to watercolor painting, including how to transfer an existing drawing into the base for a painting, and how to execute washes and blends.

Photography and Filmmaking

Open to students ages 16 and above

Instructor: Caroline Solomon

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $403.00

This course is an introduction to black and white photography as a creative medium. The emphasis is on aesthetic, technical, conceptual, and historical concerns in photography. Instruction will include presentations covering basic camera operations and image processing skills in the darkroom. The assignments will direct students toward the development of personal expression and seeing photographically. / Materials fee of $10 and Facilities fee of $50 in addition to course tuition. / Open to students ages 16 and above.

Illustration and Comic Art

Open to students ages 18 and above

Instructor: Allegra Lockstadt

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $202.00

Editorial Illustration is an exciting market for illustrators, offering the opportunity to create visual imagery for a variety of newspapers and magazines. The illustrator's ideas are the driving force in this work, engaging the viewer and propelling them into the world of the story. Through lectures on contemporary editorial illustrators and demonstrations of mediums, students will learn about contemporary illustration, experiment with materials and techniques, and practice developing illustrations from thumbnail sketch to final project.

Drawing and Painting

Open to students ages 16 and above

Instructor: Jonathan Aller

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $403.00

Portrait painting is one of the most difficult things to paint. Creating a simplified process allows students to begin a painting with confidence. Having this understanding gives students the freedom to take portraiture into a contemporary format and make it their own. This class will examine portrait painters from different genres and see the evolution of this genre over time. By investigating an assortment of styles that are prevalent in portraiture such as impressionistic, naturalistic, and realism, the class will unpack what makes a successful portrait.

Illustration and Comic Art

Open to students ages 16 and above

Instructor: Alison Nowak

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $403.00

This dynamic class will introduce students to illustration materials and techniques, conceptual approaches to image making, and will address practices relating to the business of illustration. Illustration is essential to the success of the editorial, advertising, publishing, and product packaging industries. The creative process will be discussed, from creating initial sketches to undergoing final illustration critiques.

Drawing and Painting

Open to students ages 16 and above

Instructor: Susan Shields

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $403.00

In this class, students will be introduced to basic elements of drawing, such as line, value, texture, and shape. Students will study perspective and build skills for the successful transference of three-dimensional observation to a two-dimensional picture plane. Emphasis will be placed on observational drawing of large still lifes, live models, and small organic specimens and objects. Students will engage in multiple experimental drawing techniques using a variety of drawing media. / Materials fee of $5 in addition to course tuition. / Open to students ages 16 and above.

Drawing and Painting

Open to students ages 18 and above

Instructor: Michael Gaughan

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $403.00

This class is designed to function as a continuation of the beginning level watercolor class, Watercolor Blast. Students will expand upon the skills and experiences previously gained and the class will engage the dedicated watercolor student with a rigorous curriculum and one-on-one guidance. On a weekly basis, this class pushes each artist to achieve their own personal next level. By providing a balance between technical sequences and individualized demos, this class cares for the watercolor artist as holistic healthy being.

Graphic and Web Design

Open to students ages 16 and above

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $403.00

Graphic design is everywhere. From t-shirts to posters and logos to websites, graphic design is used to visually communicate an idea, a message, or a statement. Students in this class will explore graphic design theory and learn to put into practice the concepts and principles of design.

Illustration and Comic Art

Open to students ages 16 and above

Instructor: Cameron Browne

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $202.00

There is magic in making your drawings move. Learn how to combine illustration techniques and methods of animation to tell a story, communicate a concept, or embellish an image. Illustration combined with motion has never been more pervasive in film, advertising, and publications. This course is a great opportunity to learn the basics of animation in Photoshop as well as develop techniques for traditional and digital illustration for screen. / Each student will have access throughout the class to a lab workstation equipped with the latest software. / Open to students ages 16 and above.

Drawing and Painting

Open to students ages 18 and above

Instructor: Susan Shields

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $403.00

The act of drawing from the live human form can feel intimidating. The key to success lies in a sound understanding of the creative problem-solving process, in combination with an acknowledgment and recognition of one's own "creative DNA." To aid in these endeavors, this class balances studio exercises with supplemental discussions, presentations, readings, and a field trip to the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

Print, Paper, Bookmaking

Open to students ages 18 and above

Instructor: Mary Leikvold

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $403.00

If you love printmaking you’ll love this class. Open Edition offers intermediate and advanced printmakers the chance to work in an open and collaborative learning community with instruction from a skilled printmaker -- using some of the best printmaking facilities in the Midwest. Selected demos are offered, along with individual tutorials as needed. Sessions will also include informal dialogues, large and small group critiques and studio time. The learning environment is collaborative and relaxed.

Graphic and Web Design

Open to students ages 18 and above

Instructor: Aaron DeYoe

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $202.00

This class will explore the quirky and unique Risograph printer. A Risograph printer is a hybrid between a screen print and a copier. Students will learn the ins and outs of the machine's capabilities, restrictions, and odd characteristics and will experiment with color separating, overprinting, zine printing, and more! / Each student will have access throughout the class to a lab workstation equipped with the latest software. / Open to students ages 18 and above. / View complete policies.

Print, Paper, Bookmaking

Open to students ages 16 and above

Instructor: Bridget O'Malley

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $81.00

This class will teach students how to make paper suitable for use with letterpress printing. The focus will be on small editions of consistent sheets made from plain and colored cotton abaca and flax fibers. This class is designed to broaden a student’s experience in the printshop, by adding handmade paper to their repertoire. Letterpress with Polymer Plates is another course being offered this spring. Students who enroll in both Papermaking for Letterpress and Letterpress with Polymer Plates will receive a package deal.

Graphic and Web Design

Open to students ages 16 and above

Instructor: David Farr

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $240.00

Whether you are new to page-layout software or are a graphics professional familiar with QuarkXPress or Apple's Pages software, this introductory class will provide the groundwork for creating print-ready documents of professional quality using the Adobe page-layout program, Adobe InDesign. Students start by exploring InDesign's work area: the tools, menu commands, and palettes before learning the basics of the application: setting up documents; formatting text and manipulating objects; defining colors; and using swatches.

Drawing and Painting

Open to students ages 18 and above

Instructor: Sarah Wieben

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $403.00

This introductory class is tailored to those who have never painted and who are ready to take the plunge. Students will use oil paint to learn basic techniques of this expansive medium. The fundamental elements of color, color theory, design, form, and content will be explored through studio work, demonstrations, and slide lectures. This is a welcoming and engaging studio-based class; come ready to paint on the first night! / Materials fee of $5 in addition to class tuition. / Open to students ages 18 and above.

Professional Development and Liberal Arts

Open to students ages 18 and above

Instructor: Erin Rufledt

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $121.00

Design thinking is a creative, human-centered approach to solving complex problems. It is a technique and approach that anyone can learn and use. It’s about focusing on the people you’re designing for, asking questions, and experimenting with simple prototypes to come up with radically new solutions. In this course, we’ll explore the tools and mindsets of design thinking — things like empathy, idea generation, and rapid prototyping — and apply them to real-world problems. The course is run workshop-style, combining short lectures with lots of hands-on activities in small groups.

Print, Paper, Bookmaking

Open to students ages 16 and above

Instructor: Dana LeMoine

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $322.00

Explore the art of letterpress printing in this hands-on class. Introductory letterpress skills and terminology will be explored by taking students through the basics of how to use a Vandercook press, including set up, registration, and clean up. This class will focus on photopolymer plates to create a wide range of image possibilities including, but not limited to, type. Students will work in MCAD's expansive state-of-the-art printshop to create a variety of prints throughout the run of the class. Please note that metal and wood type will not be used in this class.

Graphic and Web Design

Through the hands-on use of Photoshop, students will learn the basics of the application: using the tool palette and menus, exploring floating panels and their options in relationship to each tool.

Students will be introduced to the paths, channels, and layers floating panels. Much of the work done in Photoshop will revolve around these features, and a fundamental understanding of these concepts are necessary for any user.

Print, Paper, Bookmaking

Open to students ages 18 and above

Instructor: Michelle Lee Lagerroos

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $242.00

As computer programs like Adobe Photoshop continue to evolve, the ways to create screens for printmaking become almost limitless. This hands-on class will start in the computer lab, where students will learn techniques for image creation, set up print-ready files, and make positives for their prints. Layers in Photoshop correspond so perfectly with layers in screenprinting! The last four weeks will be in the printmaking studio, where students will turn their digitally-created positives into screenprints.

Professional Development and Liberal Arts

Open to students ages 18 and above

Instructor: William G. Franklin

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $202.00

This course combines art criticism, art history, aesthetic theories, and philosophy to try to answer what art is. Students will put to the test the universal validity and success of different artistic works by discussing and challenging past and modern concepts of art appreciation. Students will work in groups to practice critical language in class, and produce short written responses as assignments weekly. Concepts to be examined include mimesis, the sublime, aesthetic and non-aesthetic perceptions, emotional saturation, realists and anti-realists views, and modern institutional theories.

Pre-College Studio Intensive

Open to students ages 15-18

Instructor: Preston Drum

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $205.00

Experience an MCAD studio class in a two-day, hands-on intensive. Over one weekend, students will work on painting projects based on historical art movements or the work of famous artists. Projects may include still life, figurative or experimental assignments with assistance from instructors. Additional activities will include; technical demonstrations, guest artist discussions about studio practice and careers, and an information session with admissions counselors about portfolio development.

Pre-College Studio Intensive

Open to students ages 15-18

Instructor: Galen Fletcher

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $205.00

Experience an MCAD studio class in a two-day, hands-on intensive. Over one weekend, students will work on a photography project with assistance from instructors, along with demonstrations, guest artist discussions about studio practice and careers, and an information session with admission counselors about portfolio development. This class is an opportunity for young artists to learn and work in an immersive studio class environment. / Open to students ages 15–18. / View complete policies.

Photography and Filmmaking

Open to students ages 16 and above

Instructor: Chelsea Reeck

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $134.00

Cyanotype, a photographic printing process that results in a cyan-blue print, is the perfect place to start an education in alternative (non-silver) photographic processes. Students in this workshop will learn about the cyanotype process, one of the first photographic processes, originally developed in the 1840s. The cyanotype process produces beautiful blue images that require only sunlight and water. Students will be given some background about the history of alternative processes, and cyanotypes in particular.

Photography and Filmmaking

Open to students ages 16 and above

Instructor: Zoe Cinel

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $242.00

The technical aspects of video making can be intimidating: how to adjust the exposure? What is the right resolution? How do I create a narrative from clips? No worries! This class is designed for all aspiring directors, video makers, community organizers, artists, and the curious who want to be introduced to video and editing techniques starting with the most accessible camera: a smartphone! Students will learn how to shoot, edit and share high-quality short video by using exclusively mobile devices and free apps.

Drawing and Painting

Open to students ages 18 and above

Instructor: Susan Shields

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $202.00

When the work of a truly remarkable artist is recognized, their signature becomes visible, even when not literally present. What is recognized in such instances is the artist's "Creative DNA": a term coined by dancer and choreographer Twyla Tharp. This class includes discussions, readings, including Twyla Tharp's book, The Creative Habit, and writing exercises. When combined with studio practice and critiques, these methods will enable students to find their muses, name their intentions, and strengthen their unique personal creative voices.

Drawing and Painting

Open to students ages 18 and above

Instructor: Preston Drum

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $202.00

Working professionals and hobbyists alike are all susceptible to bad habits, time wasting and the whimsy of our muse. Learn tips and tricks for overcoming the pitfalls of your art practice and focus on a new path forward. This course is for artists at any level seeking to develop healthy tendencies, productive routines and a better understanding of how you participate in your creative field. Through a combination of lectures, discussions and research, students will be encouraged to explore methods for motivating themselves and inspiring creativity.

Graphic and Web Design

Open to students ages 18 and above

Instructor: Aaron DeYoe

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $202.00

Ever heard "Don't judge a book by its cover"? A book cover is the first and primary point of marketing for a product, and is often a make-or-break moment for a consumer looking to make a purchase. Learn to design smart, impactful, and beautiful book covers. / Each student will have access throughout the class to a lab workstation equipped with the latest software. / Open to students age 18 and above. / View complete policies.

Graphic and Web Design

Open to students ages 18 and above

Instructor: Neal Peterson

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $161.00

This bootcamp is open to students pursuing graphic design, professionals looking to fine-tune their skills, or hobbyists with a passion for type. In this course, students will explore how typography is used to communicate effectively within the field of graphic design. While building a basic vocabulary of terms and processes, students will exercise different topics ranging from formal usage to typography as art.

Professional Development and Liberal Arts

Open to students ages 18 and above

Instructor: Michael Gaughan

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $30.00

There are many people who truly appreciate art, but at the same time feel intimidated, confused, or inarticulate when talking about it with others. This class is designed for those who have found themselves saying things like:

"I know what I like when I see it, but it's hard to describe.""I don't know if this is even good or not.""I love art, but I find it difficult to tell where things belong in history, or to which genre."

Photography and Filmmaking

Open to students ages 16 and above

Instructor: Zoey Melf

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $134.00

The Wetplate Collodion process is the second oldest commercially successful photographic process; its heyday lasted from 1851 until the end of the 19th century. The technique was highly successful worldwide, and enjoyed an especially vibrant life in the United States. The process was long dormant, but has experienced a renaissance in the past few decades. This hands-on workshop will focus on the Tintype version of the Wetplate Collodion process. A Tintype is a photograph made by creating a direct positive on a thin sheet of metal coated with a photographic emulsion.

Graphic and Web Design

Open to students ages 18 and above.

Instructor: Heidi Miller

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $1,209.00

Because the outlines of the profession continually change, the graphic designer must know how to integrate an understanding of visual literacy with broad-based cultural knowledge. This seminar examines the theoretical basis of graphic design, defining basic concepts and vocabulary used within the profession, such as information architecture, pattern-recognition, grids, proportion, rhythm, sequence, and gestalt.

Drawing and Painting

Open to students age 18 and above

Instructor: Sarah Wieben

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $403.00

This class is an introduction to the key techniques and objectives of painting portraits. Many beginning painters start out learning the fundamentals of painting through working from the still life, but soon have a desire to move on to more challenging subjects, such as painting people. The first step in a successful figure painting is the ability to paint a portrait.

Drawing and Painting

Open to students age 16 and above

Instructor: Michael Gaughan

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $403.00

People are drawn to watercolors due to their vibrant, delicate, and luminous qualities. Students in this class will work from observation, photographs, and their imaginations to create translucent works using this versatile medium. Students will learn traditional and non-traditional approaches to watercolor painting, including how to transfer an existing drawing into the base for a painting, and how to execute washes and blends.

Graphic and Web Design

Open to students age 18 and above

Instructor: Matthew Luken

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $403.00

In this course students will utilize User Experience (UX) Design practices to conceptualize a mobile app. Students will work through testing, designing an app via wireframes, and both paper and clickable prototyping. The outcome of this class will be a case study on a mobile app suitable for a portfolio. This course is ideally suited to those who have taken the Introduction to User Experience Design class or already have a basic understanding of UX concepts.

Illustration and Comic Art

Open to students age 16 and above

Instructor: Lafe Smith

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $403.00

Characters are essential to making a successful story. In this ten-week course, students will observe and discuss ways in which creators establish characters in visual media, including film, animation, comics, and games. The course will feature some lecture, discussion of character development examples, writing, reference and drawing exercises, and sharing student work. Production of a final character portfolio will include a brief written narrative and illustrations.

Illustration and Comic Art

Open to students age 16 and above

Instructor: Carrie Hartman

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $322.00

Capture a child's imagination with original artwork while learning the tricks of the illustration trade. During this class, students will explore the wide range of children's book illustration, from traditional to contemporary. Students will learn what makes a children's book unique; how to communicate through illustration; and how to conceptualize and storyboard ideas. The instructor will also demonstrate a variety of materials that can be used to illustrate a book.

Graphic and Web Design

Open to students age 16 and above

Instructor: Neal Peterson

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $161.00

Maps are more than just tools to get from point A to B, they can also be amazing works of art. Students in this class will explore how artists and designers are using unique media that challenges the traditional idea of cartography. In this class, students will explore and discuss new methods of map-making including photo collage, art installation, video projection, psychogeography, infographics, sound art, and geo-tagging. Upon choosing a topic, each student will create their own map using the medium of their choice or develop a plan for an extensive longer-term project.

Drawing and Painting

Open to students age 18 and above

Instructor: Michael Gaughan

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $403.00

This 10-week class is designed to function as a continuation of the beginning level watercolor class, Watercolor Blast. Students will expand upon the skills and experiences previously gained and the class will engage the dedicated watercolor student with a rigorous curriculum with one-on-one guidance. On a weekly basis, this class pushes each artist to achieve their own personal next level. By providing a balance between technical sequences and individualized demos, this class cares for the watercolor artist as holistic healthy being.

Drawing and Painting

Open to students age 16 and above

Instructor: Susan Shields

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $403.00

In this class, students will be introduced to basic elements of drawing, such as line, value, texture, and shape. Students will study perspective and build skills for the successful transference of three-dimensional observation to a two-dimensional picture plane. Emphasis will be placed on observational drawing of large still lifes, live models, and small organic specimens and objects. Students will engage in multiple experimental drawing techniques using a variety of drawing media. / Materials fee of $5 in addition to course tuition. / Open to students ages 16 and above.

Photography and Filmmaking, New Classes

Open to students age 18 and above

Instructor: Caroline Solomon

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $202.00

This course is an introduction to fully utilizing the 4x5 large format camera. Emphasis is on learning how to use the unique movements of the camera to manipulate the image. Instruction will include presentations and demonstrations as well as hands-on use of the camera in the studio. The assignments will be directed towards exploring different ways to use the camera. Students who take this course should be familiar with shutter speed, aperture, and exposures using manual controls on any camera.

Graphic and Web Design, New Classes

Open to students age 18 and above

Instructor: Aaron DeYoe

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $403.00

Do you feel lacking in your knowledge of basic print production? Do you want to learn what the heck a Pantone color is? Print Production for Graphic Designers focuses on helping you form a basic understanding of what it takes to design for print. Using the Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator), you will learn the various aspects of prepress and print production such as color management, bleeds, image resolution, preflighting, proofing methods, and RGB vs. CMYK vs. Pantone usage.

Illustration and Comic Art

Open to students age 16 and above

Instructor: Melodee Strong

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $202.00

Fashion Illustration differs from fashion design in that it is more about conveying a mood or expression of a garment rather than about the actual creation and structure of the piece. In this class, students will begin to learn and understand ways of rendering fashion through the study of various methods of drawing and painting, including drawing from the live model. Students will examine and develop the ability to render the figure as well as the fabrics that adorn.

Photography and Filmmaking

Open to students age 16 and above

Instructor: Anna Eveslage

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $403.00

In this introductory level course, students will explore the foundations of digital SLR photography. Perfect for students who would like to learn more about best practices in digital photography, this course will cover the basics of capture including manual exposure as well as lens choice and composition. Students will also have the opportunity to explore file management and basic post-processing techniques using Adobe Lightroom and Bridge. Most coursework will be conducted through in-class demos and activities, but students will also be encouraged to shoot independently outside of class.

Drawing and Painting

Open to students age 18 and above

Instructor: Susan Shields

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $403.00

The act of drawing from the live human form can feel intimidating. The key to success lies in a sound understanding of the creative problem-solving process, in combination with an acknowledgment and recognition of one's own "creative DNA." To aid in these endeavors, this class balances studio exercises with supplemental discussions, presentations, readings, and a field trip to the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

Print, Paper, Bookmaking

Open to students age 18 and above

Instructor: Mary Leikvold

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $403.00

If you love printmaking you’ll love this class. Open Edition offers intermediate and advanced printmakers the chance to work in an open and collaborative learning community with instruction from a skilled printmaker -- using some of the best printmaking facilities in the Midwest. Selected demos are offered, along with individual tutorials as needed. Sessions will also include informal dialogues, large and small group critiques and studio time. The learning environment is collaborative and relaxed.

Sculpture and Furniture

Open to students age 18 and above

Instructor: Meagan Miller

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $403.00

Students in this self-driven class will explore the basics of contemporary furniture design and fabrication. Each student will be able to design and construct a piece of furniture using MCAD’s wood shop. Class discussions will focus on materials, tools, design, and techniques that will aid in the conceptualization and completion of a one-of-a-kind piece of furniture. The 3D shop will be open for students to work on their projects when other classes are not in session. The shop is open for use during open shop hours when other classes are not in session.

Drawing and Painting

Open to students age 18 and above

Instructor: Sarah Wieben

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $269.00

This class includes all the traditional elements of landscape, but takes the study a step further. We will take our easels outside to set up in the natural and beautiful environment of our many local parks and recreation areas to make oil sketches, take photographs and collect visual information. Once we have gathered this source material, we will take it, and our memories of the real world, our sense of the places and elements that inspired us while in the field, to the studio and use all this information to make exciting and compelling abstract landscapes.

Print, Paper, Bookmaking, New Classes

Open to students age 16 and above

Instructor: Dana LeMoine

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $403.00

Have you always wanted to learn about printmaking, but never knew where to begin? Printmaking Foundations is the perfect course for you! It is an introductory course that will cover the basics of three of the most popular and exciting forms of printmaking: monoprinting, relief printing, and intaglio. Students who complete this course will have the tools they need to work safely and successfully in MCAD’s printshop and be qualified to take Open Edition as well as other advanced printmaking courses MCAD offers. Please note: screenprinting will not be covered in this course.

Graphic and Web Design

Open to students age 18 and above

Instructor: Matthew Luken

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $242.00

Introduction to User Experience (UX) Design will focus on the process of creating designs that take into consideration the user’s needs along with content and a client’s wants in order to create a product that is successful. This instructor will lead discussions on the importance of preliminary research, testing during the process of developing a design, and how to test and analyze existing designs. Students will conduct testing sessions to help grasp the idea and simplicity of thinking about the end user first.

Graphic and Web Design

Open to students age 16 and above

Instructor: Neal Peterson

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $403.00

In this introductory-level course, students will explore how typography is used to communicate effectively within the field of graphic design. While building a basic vocabulary of terms and processes, students will explore different topics ranging from formal usage to typography as art. Class periods will include studio time, discussions, and critiques appropriate to the projects throughout the course.

Illustration and Comic Art

Open to students age 18 and above

Instructor: Carrie Hartman

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $322.00

In this advanced class, students will continue to explore and develop their illustration work for the picture book and children’s market. Further study of stronger character design and development will be pursued while integrating that into one's visual storytelling narratives. Assignments will be given to further each student's' individual work toward assembling a full portfolio of work for this industry. Both narrative assignments and more commercial based projects will be assigned.

Drawing and Painting

Open to students age 18 and above

Instructor: Sarah Wieben

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $403.00

This introductory class is tailored to those who have never painted and who are ready to take the plunge. Students will use oil paint to learn basic techniques of this expansive medium. The fundamental elements of color, color theory, design, form, and content will be explored through studio work, demonstrations, and slide lectures. This is a welcoming and engaging studio-based class; come ready to paint on the first night! / Materials fee of $5 in addition to class tuition.

Graphic and Web Design, New Classes

Open to students age 18 and above

Instructor: Debra Lawton

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $403.00

This course will concentrate on designing high fidelity prototypes for web or mobile application. The focus will be on developing the design aspects of a concept already developed and how design has an effect on the user’s experience. Discussion and lecture will cover discovery of digital design principles including layout, type, color and iconography. Students will enhance their designs, receive critiques on their design, test with consumers via usability studies, and use the iterative design process in creating a high fidelity prototype.

Print, Paper, Bookmaking

Open to students age 16 and above

Instructor: Zach Cramer

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $242.00

Relief printmaking methods have a rich history, and through this course students will learn details of that history while developing skills through hands-on exercises. During the course, students will focus on woodblock relief processes, and will complete three projects to gain proficiency with the materials. The course will be administered through slide presentations, process demonstrations, and peer/individual critiques in small groups. This course will begin with basic one color woodcut methods. Students will be shown examples of many different carving techniques.

Print, Paper, Bookmaking

Open to students age 18 and above

Instructor: Michelle Lee Lagerroos

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $81.00

Making monotypes is work that's so engaging it feels like play! In this short class, students will create images on plexiglass using ink, stencils, found objects, and whatever comes to hand and mind. With the magic of presses and serendipity, students will each create at least two unique images. This class is perfect for beginners or for artists experienced in any medium who need play time to refresh their vision and generate new ideas. Nontoxic, water-based inks will be used. / Materials fee of $25 and facilities fee of $25 in addition to class tuition.

Pre-College Studio Intensive

Open to students ages 15–18

Instructor: Katie Nelson

Price: $205.00

Experience an MCAD studio class in a two-day, hands-on intensive, focusing on an introduction to hand-drawn animation, covering basic techniques and concepts. Students will start with traditional pencil and paper techniques, and then will use aspects of Adobe Photoshop and AfterEffects to bring their animations to life. Students will dig into the fundamentals of animation by learning about frame rate and basic animation principles, such as squash and stretch, ease-in/ease-out, anticipation, and more.

Pre-College Portfolio Preparation Ages 15-18

Open to students age 15–18

Instructor: Michael Gaughan

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $161.00

The portfolio is the single most important component of an art school application, and colleges across the nation are stepping up their requirements for admission. Most require several observational drawings, or drawings made from what we see, rather than from our imagination or a photograph. This studio drawing class is designed to help motivated visual arts students develop exemplary observational drawings for their portfolios.

Pre-College Studio Intensive, New Classes

Open to students ages 15–18

Price: $205.00

Experience an MCAD studio class in a two-day, hands-on intensive, focusing on developing narrative skills; drawing techniques including lettering, character design, and expressive figure drawing; and establishing basic knowledge in order to pursue comic creation in the future.

Professional Development and Liberal Arts, Graphic and Web Design

Open to students age 18 and above

Instructor: Erin Rufledt

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $202.00

Design thinking is a creative, human-centered approach to solving complex problems. It is a technique and approach that anyone can learn and use. It’s about focusing on the people you’re designing for, asking questions, and experimenting with simple prototypes to come up with radically new solutions. In this course, we’ll explore the tools and mindsets of design thinking — things like empathy, idea generation, and rapid prototyping — and apply them to real-world problems. The course is run workshop-style, combining short lectures with lots of hands-on activities in small groups.

Graphic and Web Design

Open to students age 16 and above

Instructor: David Farr

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $240.00

Whether you are new to page-layout software or are a graphics professional familiar with QuarkXPress or Apple's Pages software, this introductory class will provide the groundwork for creating print-ready documents of professional quality using the Adobe page-layout program, Adobe InDesign. Students start by exploring InDesign's work area: the tools, menu commands, and palettes before learning the basics of the application: setting up documents; formatting text and manipulating objects; defining colors; and using swatches.

Drawing and Painting, New Classes

Open to students age 18 and above

Instructor: Shannon Brunette

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $202.00

This class is designed to offer a comprehensive introduction to the tools, techniques, and the creative possibilities of mixed media works on paper, using primarily gouache paint. Gouache is a popular water-based medium used in contemporary painting, illustration, and design. Like watercolor, gouache can be challenging to those new to the medium. In this course, we will work through some of the more difficult aspects of painting with gouache to consider techniques used when applying gouache to mixed media drawings and paintings.

Photography and Filmmaking

Open to students age 16 and above

Instructor: Anna Eveslage

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $202.00

Used by contemporary artists as a means to explore identity, the photographic portrait has moved away from its commercial roots. People make portraits of their friends and family members not just as a historical record of the individual, but also to push the boundaries of what a photograph can say about its subject. During this class, students will explore the world of contemporary portrait photography. They will be encouraged to practice formulating ideas prior to photographing, while also learning how to constructively critique one another's work.

Sustainable Design

Open to students ages 16 and above

Instructor: Denise DeLuca

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $20.00

Biomimicry, or “Innovation Inspired by Nature”, provides designers with the opportunity to look at nature -- and your design challenges -- in entirely new ways. It inspires cross-disciplinary collaboration and co-creation, empathy and emergent thinking, using all of your senses and different parts of your brain, curiosity and exploration. Working with nature sparks a sense of wonder and curiosity (biophilia); perspectives shift and novel solutions to challenging problems emerge.

Illustration and Comic Art, New Classes

Open to students age 18 and above

Instructor: Melodee Strong

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $202.00

Water-based media are heavily used in contemporary illustration and design. Watercolor, gouache, and acrylics can be challenging to those new to the media and their distinct characteristics. In this course, we will work through some of the more difficult aspects of painting with water-based media and cover skills and techniques used when applying them into an illustration. Weekly illustration assignments will be given to provide time to practice and apply using techniques demonstrated in class.

Drawing and Painting, New Classes

Open to students age 16 and above

Instructor: Susan Shields

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $202.00

In this Special Topics class, students will be exploring color through drawing, using a variety of different media. Color theory will inform process, as artists work with pencils, soft and oil pastels, inks and pens. Individual voices will be fostered and encouraged; subject matter will vary according to personal interest. / Materials fee of $5 in addition to course tuition. / Open to students ages 16 and above. / View complete policies.

Professional Development and Liberal Arts, New Classes

Open to students age 18 and above

Instructor: Aaron DeYoe

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $202.00

This class will provide valuable insights and information to ramp up your freelance career. From working with an agency to getting your own clients, Foundations for Freelancing will arm you with the tools, tips, and insights to forge your own path in today’s “gig” economy. This course will include lectures, visiting artist talks, and demonstrations. Topics covered will include: finding (and maintaining) clients, personal marketing, finances, taxes, contracts, software, and more.

Graphic and Web Design, New Classes

Open to students age 18 and above

Instructor: David Farr

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $240.00

Photoshop provides the user with amazing image-editing flexibility. Many mobile apps such as Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat now mimic its basic functions like lightening and darkening photos, applying special effect filters, and adding additional graphics into those images. For those who would wish to go beyond these basic features, this workshop is for you.

Some of the topics we will cover are corrective filtering, unsharp masking, lens correction, and vanishing point. Learning actions and batch processing will save hours of time.

Professional Development and Liberal Arts, Online Classes

Open to students ages 18 and above

Instructor: Kjel Johnson

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $1,209.00

This course examines through various lenses the ways in which contemporary events circulate in the news, from hard_-copy newspapers to online blogs, from trained journalists to eyewitness observers, and from social media venues to emerging media forms. Individuals in this course engage deeply with the local, national, and international news and explore the many sides to contemporary issues, covering a range of events, topics, and regions.

Professional Development and Liberal Arts, Online Classes

Open to students ages 18 and above

Instructor: Amy Sands

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $1,209.00

In this course students investigate the most essential aspects of human anatomy pertinent to the artist. The course progresses from examining anatomical artworks in art history to researching current anatomical references as a basis for image exploration. The importance of accurately depicting the human form is stressed through technical studies of skeletal and muscular structures in a sketchbook format. Online resources are an active part of the course in learning terminology and functions of mechanical structure of the human form.

Professional Development and Liberal Arts, Online Classes

Open to students ages 18 and above

Instructor: Elisabeth Workman

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $1,209.00

This course investigates the aesthetic issues at the heart of writing as an art in itself. Course topics illuminate the kind of thinking that guides and inspires and require students to develop presentations and to explore creatively. Students engage in deep investigations into the nature of communication and inquiries about the role of language. The class may include trips to and possibly participation in local events to enhance the classroom experience and students’ understanding of the creative writing process.

Professional Development and Liberal Arts, Online Classes

Open to students ages 18 and above

Instructor: Jen Caruso

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $1,209.00

Philosophy is based on a desire to understand history, the world around us, and the human condition. By studying these ideas, students can begin to develop contemporary questions about their world and interests. This class examines the history of philosophy and current philosophies, both Western and non-Western. Students propose philosophical and historical questions to better understand themselves and the arts in the twenty-first century. Class sessions are a mix of lecture and discussion. This course fills a Histories, Places and Philosophies requirement for Humanities and Sciences.

Illustration and Comic Art, Online Classes

Open to students ages 18 and above

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $1,209.00

This course covers the entire process of coloring a comic book, from color design to print, using a computer. The goal of the course is to gain a working knowledge of a variety of techniques in order to complete a project from ideation to the final state. Topics covered include: scanning artwork, use of color as a storytelling tool, CMYK vs. RGB in the color workflow, and how to "paint" using the computer—including step-by-step instruction, a survey of computer tools, color separation and its use to make the finished product look the best possible even on poor quality paper, and more.

Illustration and Comic Art, New Classes

Open to students age 16 and above

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $202.00

There is magic in making your drawings move. Learn how to combine illustration techniques and methods of animation to tell a story, communicate a concept, or embellish an image. Illustration combined with motion has never been more pervasive in film, advertising, and publications. This course is a great opportunity to learn the basics of animation in Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects, as well as develop techniques for traditional and digital illustration for screen.

Professional Development and Liberal Arts, New Classes

Open to students age 18 and above

Instructor: Joshua Namdev Hardisty

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $202.00

What if it were possible to guarantee positive outcomes on every design project you worked on? What would it mean if you could walk into every meeting knowing that no matter what the project was you have a way of delivering without fear of creative block or needing to rely on the tried and true? That’s what you’ll learn how to do in this class.

Illustration and Comic Art

Open to students age 16 and above

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $403.00

This dynamic class will introduce students to illustration materials and techniques, conceptual approaches to image making, and will address practices relating to the business of illustration. Illustration is essential to the success of the editorial, advertising, publishing, and product packaging industries. The creative process will be discussed, from creating initial sketches to undergoing final illustration critiques.

New Classes

Open to students age 16 and above

Instructor: Meg Dolan

Term: Fall 2018

Price: $282.00

Propaganda has increasingly become a buzzword in our current political climate. But propaganda has taken many forms since the term first emerged with the establishment of the Congregation de Propaganda Fide by Pope Gregory XV in 1622, and has since shifted as much in definition and connotation as it has in message and form. This art history course will trace the evolution of visual propaganda in conjunction with innovations in the visual arts.

Drawing and Painting

Open to students ages 18 and above.

Instructor: Sarah Wieben

Term: Spring 2019

Price: $403.00

This class will teach students to go beyond the traditional approach to portrait painting that would tend toward an empathetic and faithful rendering of the sitter's likeness, toward something bolder and more exploratory. Students will learn to bend and stretch the rules of portrait painting in order to dig deeper in hopes of arriving at finished works that are richer and more profound.